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🗞️Beer, Lights, and Epic Nights

🗞️Beer, Lights, and Epic Nights

December 27, 2024

Good Morning, Akron!

This is Akron Digest’s final issue of 2024. We hope it’s been a great year for you. We’ll see you in 2025.

In this week’s issue:

North Pole Adventure goes off the rails
New Plans for Geauga Lake
The best NYE events around town

Let’s get to it.

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The Digest

North Pole Adventure Takes an Unexpected Turn 🚆

A cherished Northeast Ohio tradition hit a bump—literally—on Saturday night when the North Pole Adventure train derailed near Peninsula just before 9 p.m. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad confirmed four cars went off track, leaving families waiting for buses to bring them back.

While no injuries were reported, passengers described the experience as tense. "It's Christmas time, so spirits were high, but there were definitely tears from the little ones," shared one parent. The incident is currently under investigation.

Aurora’s Big Splash 🌊

The City of Aurora officially acquired 48 acres of lakefront land and a 53-acre spring-fed lake, once part of the former Sea World and Geauga Lake properties, for $5.3 million. The ambitious plan? Transform the area into a regional park with beaches, non-motorized boating, and a revamped wave pool by 2026.

Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin called the purchase a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to create a Northeast Ohio gem while preserving the lakefront from residential development. Stay tuned for this legacy project to make waves.

Akron’s Animal Rescue Mission

Akron Police swooped in on a hoarding situation last Sunday, rescuing over 170 animals living in dire conditions. Among the saved were 116 chickens, 36 rabbits, five goats (including one pregnant), and more, many on the brink of starvation or freezing.

Following the rescue, officers ensured these feathered and furry survivors will find new homes, offering a hopeful ending to a troubling scene.

Akron’s Innerbelt Reconnection Plan Takes Shape 🛣️

The city of Akron is inviting the community to weigh in on the future of the decommissioned one-mile stretch of the Akron Innerbelt. A workshop will be held on Jan. 8, from 5–8 p.m. at the Ed Davis Community Center, offering updates on the master planning process and a chance for residents to share their visions.

Led by planning firm Sasaki, the project aims to reconnect communities disrupted by the failed urban renewal project of the 1970s. The final plan is set for completion in fall 2025.

What’s Happening?

Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:

Booze, Brews & Bright Lights at the Akron Zoo 🍺

Wrap up the holiday season in style with Brew at the Zoo: Holiday Special on Saturday from 6–9 p.m. Stroll through the dazzling Wild Lights display while sipping on festive beer and wine from top breweries and wineries. Your ticket includes eight tastings, admission to Wild Lights, and access to food trucks (snacks sold separately).

This 21+ event is perfect for winding down the year—just don’t forget your ID! Info Here

Countdowns, Confetti & Kid-Friendly New Year’s 🥳

Why should grown-ups have all the New Year’s Eve fun? Akron Children’s Museum is hosting its annual Make Believe Midnight celebration today, with two party slots: 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m.

Expect dance parties with DJ Jacob and Mr. Jeff, party stations featuring confetti poppers, glow bracelets, and more, plus a celebratory balloon drop at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets Here

Winter Blitz Brings Big Fun to Hall of Fame Village

Get ready for thrills, chills, and carnival spills at the Winter Blitz Indoor Carnival & Thrill Show, this weekend at the Hall of Fame Village. Featuring jaw-dropping stunts from the Cincinnati Circus Company (yes, the “Wheel of Death” is as intense as it sounds), this family-friendly extravaganza also offers carnival rides, inflatables, games, and more.

Tickets start at $20 in advance, with VIP packages offering premium perks like front-row seats and meet-and-greets. It’s a winter wonderland with a high-flying twist. Tickets Here

Pop Hits, Arcade Fun & Holiday Cheer at The Workz 🎮🍕

Round up the family and head to The Workz on Saturday from 7-10 PM for an evening packed with holiday fun! Groove to the lively tunes of Follow the Sun, dishing out pop covers the whole family will love. While you’re at it, dive into the arcade for some game time or settle in for a delicious dinner.

It’s the perfect recipe for festive family vibes and unforgettable memories—don’t miss it! Info Here

New Years Around Akron 🥳 🎶

Ready to ring in the new year, Akron-style? We’ve rounded up the best New Year’s events happening around the city to help you kick off 2025 in style.

Ring in the New Year at Mr Zub’s Pink Pony Zub's NYE Dance Party. Champagne, Free Food, and music by DJ Gran Torino. Info

Or, head to Jilly’s Music Room with the Swizzle Stick Band, delivering an electrifying mix of Motown, Funk, Soul, and Rock N Roll classics from the '60s to today! Your ticket includes reserved seating, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight—plus enjoy 20% off everything during Happy Hour until 9 PM. Doors open at 7 PM. Tickets

If your ideal New Year’s involves a brunch with mimosas, stay overnight at BLU-Tique Hotel downtown and have brunch waiting for you in the morning. You can buy tickets here.

In the mood for a classy New Years with a big band soundtrack? Head out to Lanning’s for Hors d'oeuvres, a Champagne Toast, live music from Don Disantis and his 3-piece Big Band. Reservations here.

If you want a mashup of downtown’s best food and drinks, Circle of Fifths, Baxter’s Speakeasy, and Blu Jazz are teaming up to bring you specialty cocktails and a specialty pop-up menu. A DJ will be bringing the best pop, disco, and house tracks. Tickets Here

Happy New Year, Akron. Please be safe.

Live Music Breakdown

Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron this weekend:

Sunday
Musica | Off Leash & Guardrail w/ Dome Test & Sabon | 7:00

Weather

Today

49 🌡️ 44 | 🌨️ | 44% 🌨️

Saturday

59 🌡️ 49 | ☁️ | 38% 🌧️

Sunday

56 🌡️ 40 | 🌨️ | 91% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!